The all-new Fiat 500X is a crossover not only in terms of vehicle segments, but also in terms of its potential customers. With two distinct flavours on offer, there is a 500X to suit every need and taste: One is designed to appeal to those with a fun-loving, spirited, metropolitan outlook available in Pop, Pop Star and Lounge trim levels, and another, more rugged version has been designed with stylish, active adventures in mind available in Cross and Cross Plus specifications. A choice of 12 different body colours and eight different designs for the 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, will help every owner personalise the look of their FIAT 500X even further.

In keeping with its philosophy of appealing to every spectrum of customer, the FIAT 500X will be available with a broad range of powertrain options in the UK. Front-wheel drive, petrol-powered models are either equipped with a 110hp, 1.6-litre “E-torQ” engine with a five-speed manual gearbox or a 140hp 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II petrol engine with either a new-generation six-speed manual gearbox or FIAT Powertrain’s renowned six-speed twin-clutch transmission. The all-wheel drive petrol model, which is equipped with a first-in-class, nine-speed automatic transmission as standard, is powered by a 170hp, 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II engine.

The front-wheel drive diesel range consists of the 95hp, 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel, equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, and the 120hp 1.6-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. The four-wheel drive diesel option is the 140hp 2.0-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel, which will be available with a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.

The new nine-speed automatic transmission is a first not only for FIAT but also for the crossover segment in which the 500X competes. This new, electronically-controlled, nine-speed automatic transmission features advanced shift management to combine optimum driving pleasure with efficiency, while also offering the possibility of switching to manual-sequential mode. The FIAT 500X’s four-wheel drive system it drives adopts a fuel-saving rear axle disconnection system that seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management without requiring input from the driver. The result is a highly efficient drivetrain that offers excellent pick-up and smooth delivery of power, with sure-footed and dependable handling in all conditions.

The first version of the FIAT 500X available to order in the UK will be the “Opening Edition”, offered with a choice of three powertrain options: 140hp 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II 4X2 manual, 120hp 1.6 MultiJet II 4X2 manual and 140hp 2.0 MultiJet II AWD nine-speed automatic.

The 4X2 models are based on the urban versions of the FIAT 500X and only will be available with an “Art Grey” pastel paint finish. Standard equipment will include a range of normally optional features at no extra cost to the customer, including 18-inch alloy wheels; automatic climate control; Safety Pack (Lane Assist; Blind Spot Assist; ParkView reversing camera and “Brake Control” anti-collision system; Comfort Pack (Keyless Entry & Keyless Go; front armrest and electric lumbar adjustment on the front seats); tinted rear windows and exclusive “Opening Edition” badge.

The AWD version is offered only in tri-coat “Amore Red” and, like the 4X2 version, includes a range of additional equipment at no additional cost, including the Uconnect™ 6.5-inch satellite navigation system; two-tone red-and-black leather interiors; Visibility Pack (rain and light sensors, power folding door mirrors, electro-chromic rear view mirror), steering wheel paddle shifters and exclusive Opening Edition badge. Depending on the version, this can be worth up to £2,850 of additional content at no extra charge for the first FIAT 500X customers. Pricing for the FIAT 500X Opening Edition starts at £17,595 for the 1.4 MultiAir II 4X2 with order books due to open in December.